Empirical evidence is changing the world

As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Zambia, Dr. Thomas Mtonga a leading position in disability research. Thomas is also an expert by experience: he is blind. Thomas was a guest speaker at the Breaking down Barriers conference on 26 September in The Hague.

How are you connected to Breaking down Barriers?

‘I supervise postgraduate students doing research within this learning pathway. I advise and guide them throughout the process; from writing a research proposal to collecting and analysing data to writing their research report. And eventually also to presenting their findings at a Breaking down Barriers event.’

What added value does Breaking down Barriers offer?

‘For me personally, it is the contact I have with diverse students through this learning pathway and the involvement in their research. This also increases my own knowledge in the field of disability and keeps me challenged and engaged in academia.’

How do you connect theoretical findings to everyday practice?

‘We share the findings from our research with organisations working for people with disabilities. We also use them to raise more funds for further research. For example, the European Union funded a study from Breaking down Barriers on the rights of people with disabilities.’

Can you give another real-life example?

‘Our research on the implementation of inclusive education showed that school leadership is the determining factor in making it successful. Working with an Italian organisation, we then developed a model to train school leaders in this. We implemented that model in 10 schools, with very good results.’

What is planned for Breaking down Barriers, after the conference?

‘I look forward to being able to continue working in this pathway in the coming years, in the next round with doctoral students. I am happy to engage in the conversation about this and will certainly make recommendations to Liliane Fonds.’

What will be your role during the Breaking down Barriers conference and what do you expect from it?

‘I will give presentations on inclusive education, financial inclusion and employment barriers for people with disabilities. And I will engage with various stakeholders. I hope to be able to give the audience something valuable for their own research. And I hope more investors will commit to Breaking down Barriers, so that it can expand to more countries. Empirical evidence can change the world!’

Note: Registration for this event is no longer available, as the conference took place on September 26, 2024.